Pressure-sensitive labels and their role in making packaging circular
— an Avery Dennison white paper.

Did you know that nearly all global CPG brands have a goal of 100% recyclable packaging by 2030?

Brands seeking ways to meet and exceed recycling, emissions and other sustainability-related goals will find a wealth of helpful fact-based data and expert opinions in the new Avery Dennison white paper, “Pressure-sensitive labels and their role in making packaging circular.” Our microsite will take just a few minutes to review.

Pressure-sensitive labels and their
role in making packaging circular.

Pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs) inform,
engage and resonate with consumers while
supporting a circular economy.

Pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs) are powerful packaging and branding components. They adhere to plastic, glass, paper, metal, and more, making them suitable for diverse product packaging. They can be die-cut into intricate shapes and designs for product differentiation. They support various printing techniques, enabling vibrant colors, intricate details and eye-catching designs that enhance shelf appeal.

PSLs’ wide-ranging benefits encompass
product security, cost-efficiency, sustainability
and brand enhancement.

Highlights:

  • PSLs can provide tampering evidence for product integrity and consumer safety.
  • They serve as a platform for product information, including barcodes, QR codes and other variable data.
  • RFID, smart labels and QR codes enable interactive experiences, product authentication and consumer engagement.
  • Smart labeling improves traceability and supply chain and inventory management.

Security and Product ID

  • PSLs are compatible with automated labeling systems and can reduce labor costs and production time.
  • PSLs allow easy changes to packaging design, messaging and information without requiring a complete package redesign.
  • PSLs’ precise application and minimal material usage generate less waste than other labeling methods.

Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

  • Sustainable products represented about 31% of CPG’s growth between 2013-2023, despite only accounting for approximately 18.5% of CPG’s sustainable market share.
  • Most emissions targets are set for a 2030 deadline, but only about one-third of CPGs are on track to meet their goals.
  • Brands frequently pledge to recycle 100% of plastic packages. However, as of Q1 2024, most brands had not met this target.
  • PSLs made with recyclable or compostable materials support eco-friendly packaging solutions and lower a brand’s environmental footprint.
  • Removable PSLs facilitate the separation of labels from packaging, promoting recyclability and reuse.

Sustainability

  • High-quality PSLs with unique finishes and embellishments can elevate the perceived value of a product.
  • Customizable designs and printing allow brands to create a consistent and impactful brand presence.
  • Interactive elements and unique shapes help products stand out on crowded retail shelves.
  • Decorative PSLs provide a premium look and feel to reusable packaging with extensive design capabilities that offer late-stage differentiation.

Brand Enhancement

New state-of-the-art PSL adhesive capabilities are designed with permanent, repositionable, or removable adhesion.

Read the report

PSLs enable circularity in packaging
by facilitating the separation, recovery and
reuse of materials.

Here's how:

  • PSLs can be designed for clean and easy removal from packaging substrates. This is particularly important for PET bottles and HDPE containers, where the label needs to be removed before the plastic can be recycled.
  • Special wash-off adhesives allow labels to be easily removed during the washing process, preventing contamination of the recycling stream.

Enabling Material Separation

  • Many PSLs are compatible with existing recycling processes. They are made from recyclable materials or engineered to not interfere with the recycling of the primary packaging material.
  • Some innovative PSL solutions allow for label-to-label recycling, where the face material and adhesive are recycled together, reducing waste and maximizing material recovery.

Recyclability

  • Durable PSLs withstand harsh conditions and repeated use, extending the life of products, such as PET bottles, and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • PSLs with removable adhesives enable consumers to easily remove labels from packaging without leaving residue, facilitating the reuse or repurposing of containers.
  • A 1% increase in recycling rates can reduce approximately 2,000 tons of plastic waste per year for a beverage company producing 10 billion bottles.
  • Some PSLs can be transferred from one container to another, promoting reuse and refill and reducing the need for new labels.

Enhancing Product Life Cycle

  • PSLs can carry certifications that inform consumers about the sustainable attributes of the packaging and encourage responsible disposal and recycling practices.
  • PSLs can provide clear instructions on how to separate and recycle different components of the packaging, promoting consumer participation in the circular economy.

Circularity

User Cases

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Kaiken Luxury 20 años

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Kaiken Luxury 20 años

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Frequently asked questions

Question 1

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Question 2

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Question 3

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus justo urna, commodo a aliquam non, elementum sed magna. Vivamus tempus ac nisl vel auctor. Vivamus suscipit faucibus est ut porttitor. Integer a risus id eros varius auctor. Pellentesque sed turpis sollicitudin, placerat felis in, porttitor ex. Cras a mauris eget libero facilisis molestie sit amet consectetur nunc. Nulla facilisi. Pellentesque molestie gravida felis, eu lacinia ex tempor sit amet. Vivamus varius aliquet ex, in egestas massa cursus ac.

Question 4

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus justo urna, commodo a aliquam non, elementum sed magna. Vivamus tempus ac nisl vel auctor. Vivamus suscipit faucibus est ut porttitor. Integer a risus id eros varius auctor. Pellentesque sed turpis sollicitudin, placerat felis in, porttitor ex. Cras a mauris eget libero facilisis molestie sit amet consectetur nunc. Nulla facilisi. Pellentesque molestie gravida felis, eu lacinia ex tempor sit amet. Vivamus varius aliquet ex, in egestas massa cursus ac.

Question 5

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus justo urna, commodo a aliquam non, elementum sed magna. Vivamus tempus ac nisl vel auctor. Vivamus suscipit faucibus est ut porttitor. Integer a risus id eros varius auctor. Pellentesque sed turpis sollicitudin, placerat felis in, porttitor ex. Cras a mauris eget libero facilisis molestie sit amet consectetur nunc. Nulla facilisi. Pellentesque molestie gravida felis, eu lacinia ex tempor sit amet. Vivamus varius aliquet ex, in egestas massa cursus ac.

New state-of-the-art PSL adhesive capabilities are designed with permanent, repositionable, or removable adhesion.

Read the report

Download the complete report to learn how PSLs
can revolutionize your packaging.

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